Time for a little half marathon training update! I am 7 1/2 weeks into my 12 week program and am FEELING GOOD. I know it's been a while since I've done a blog update, but I've been keeping up with posting about my runs on Instagram! (plus I'm doing a super fun #MomsWithMomentum challenge that you should totally join me in!) So here are some random running thoughts...

About a month ago I had to recommit to positivity. I was letting stroller running get the best of my brain. I was absolutely hating it, dreading my runs, and making my husband feel bad about his work schedule (which I never want to do!). So...I changed my mindset. I'm blessed to have an awesome double running stroller. I'm strong enough to push those 2 girls. My half marathon will be that much easier having challenged myself through training. That simple mindset shift made a huge difference for me. The funny thing is, since then, somehow I"ve managed to do very little double stroller running, without much inconvenience to my friends and family! I've been waking up at 5:45 to run solo, my BRF Sara has taken one of my kids on numerous runs, and I've been flexible with my running enough to capitalize on any chance I get to run alone. And when I do have to run with 2? I push hard and don't stress about the time.

It's funny, I've had several people comment to me lately that they think I love (and am good at) running with my double stroller. And I have to be honest. I don't love it. It makes me kind of sad because I legitimately LOVED stroller running with my first. So much joy came from running with my baby, and I barely ever questioned doing long runs with the BOB. Thankfully, baby #2 loves the stroller too, but I just don't love pushing babies x2 + strollerx2. So I'm just putting that out there. I don't love it. I do it because I'm committed to a goal. And I'm thankful that I CAN take them with me for the ride. But if I can run solo (or even with the single!) I'll take that option in a heart beat.

Speaking of being flexible...that's another big thing that has changed this training cycle for me. I used to be pretty set in my training plan and the days and times I would run. Enter: #MotherRunner status. I've actually ended up having some of my best runs on Sunday afternoons or evenings. Sunday is typically an off day for me, but I'm feeling recovered and I have help with kids, so I take on my Monday miles a day early! Heck I even ran 3 after drinking margaritas for dinner one night. A mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do! I've split my workouts a few times (a few miles with a stroller, a few without), or even going for 2 separate runs throughout the day. My new motto is:

"Be stubborn about your goals, but ​flexible with your methods."

It's truly the only way I'm getting my mileage in.

And what's that I said about magic miles? I don't know if this is the case for any of you other runners out there, but for me, 8 is the magic number.

Up until then I am full of doubt. All of the long runs are hard. Even though I've done it before, 13.1 seems so out of reach. I question signing up for the race. I start planning for post-race workouts that won't include any running.

But then, 8 mile weekend comes and all of a sudden I feel LIKE A RUNNER. 8 miles is a big deal y'all! Not just anyone goes out and runs 8 miles on a Saturday morning. I feel like that's the turning point for me.

I am confident I can kick 13.1 in the butt. I feel strong enough to push my shorter runs. I'm ready to sign up for a million races because I AM AMAZING. I'm never going to stop running.

​Is this just me? Anyone else?

So..,that's where I'm at right now! I've got just over a month before race day and I'm so excited! Sara and I were talking about how we are most excited that we'll have several hours without kids...we might even forget that we are running!! Apparently I just need to sign up for more races if I need a break from my kids!!

What are you training for right now? Side note: my DAD is running the Chicago Marathon this weekend...so send all the strong marathon vibes his way! He's my biggest fan I am his!

I LOVE Instagram and how positive and motivating of a space it is for me. I make a real conscious effort to only follow accounts that make me happy and feel inspired.

So this next project is just about that. Sharing, connecting and inspiring throughout Instagram and the healthy living community. I have connected with so many amazing FIT MOMS in real life and on Instagram...and this challenge is for ALL OF YOU!

I have partnered up with my friend and fellow fit mama Hollie from Hollie Nicholson Fitness to co-host a 2 week Instagram photo challenge! #MomsWithMomentum I love photo-a-day challenges because we all can use a little insta-inspiration sometimes! We also have some AMAZING sponsors like Momentum Jewelry and Her Tribe Athletics which only means one thing: super sweet prizes!

Here's how it works.

Save this photo to your phone so you have easy reference to it throughout the challenge.

Repost it on Instagram to tell everyone what you're doing and to encourage them to join you! The more the merrier!

Then, each day of the challenge (Oct. 1-14), post a picture based on that day's prompt. You can interpret them however you like! Don't overthink it, just have FUN!

To be sure that we see your post and to be entered to win prizes throughout the challenge, be sure to hashtag #MomsWithMomentum on each photo and tag each of the co-hosts and sponsors. Winners will be notified and announced throughout the challenge,

I'll be sharing my favorite posts at the end of each week too!

Our sponsors are 2 amazing women owned companies that both have integrated fitness fashion with inspiration.

You already know that I LOVE Momentum Jewelry. I've been an ambassador for over 2 years (but I'm not getting paid for this campaign) and love representing their brand! If you haven't gotten your hands on one of their wrap bracelets or foot notes yet - you've gotta check them out! Or...WIN SOME IN THIS CHALLENGE!!!

Her Tribe Athletics is a brand new athletic apparel company owned by 2 awesome women. All of their shirts are really fun (like this "Chasing Tiny Humans is my Cardio" tank") and they are all limited edition - so if you see something you like, get it right away! You can win this "chasing" tank in our challenge!!

As you know, I'm getting towards the middle of my half marathon training. This is my first half post baby #2 (5th overall!) and I've realized how much my nutrition has tanked lately. Back before kids I was all about fuel timing and food journaling...now I eat when I eat and I run when I run and I often am not choosing the correct fuel, or eating it at the right time. I know I could be doing a better job, but I needed a refresher!

​So, I reached out to my friend Julie. She's a Registered Dietitian who is a board-certified specialist in obesity and weight management. She runs an online nutritional business, "Nutrition With Julie", helping individuals to reach their desired health goals. Not only is she an expert in all things nutrition, she's a fellow runner, gluten and dairy free just like me, AND a loyal member of my doTERRA tribe.

Julie has some awesome, simple tips to help runners at any stage of training or life be better fueled. I hope you learn something new...I know I sure did! Enjoy!

Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out with a goal of running a 5 or 10k, nutrition plays an integral part of your daily routine. Some individuals choose to run first thing in the morning while others run later in the day or in the evenings. Many questions often asked include snacks or eating before runs, hydration during and after runs, are energy gels needed and what are the best types of food to eat post-run or race. Hopefully, I can tackle some of the questions for you!

Pre-Run Fuel

If you are planning to run for less than an hour, a snack may not be needed. If you feel hungry or prefer to have a bite to eat, a small snack with a balance of carbohydrates and protein would be sufficient – for example, low-fat Greek yogurt with a handful of berries, half a banana with a small amount of peanut or almond butter, unsweetened applesauce or a handful of raisins (may be paired with a boiled egg white for the added protein – the yolk is beneficial and full of nutrients, but fat slows down digestion – save the yolk for post run).

For longer or more intense runs, a low-fat, low-fiber dish would be ideal. You want to avoid high fiber foods before runs to prevent any stomach discomfort. Ideally, it’s best to eat about 2 hours before your run to allow time for digestion. A balance of carbs, protein, and a small amount of fat will provide enough energy and fuel for that long run. An option may be scrambled eggs with spinach, a smoothie (Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder, a handful of berries, spinach, thinned with milk of choice), cottage cheese with fruit, yogurt and granola, a banana or apple with nut butter, white rice or white potatoes scrambled with an egg or chicken, or overnight gluten-free oats or quinoa with a scoop of protein powder.

Post-Run Fuel

​After your running workout or race you can wait at least 30 minutes before eating to allow the body to return to a relaxed state, allowing for optimal digestion. An optimal meal would include a balance of carbs, protein, and fat such as chicken or fish with vegetables and a small sweet potato or eggs with vegetables and a slice of whole grain toast or sprouted corn tortillas.

Hydration

Pre-and post run it’s important to be hydrated! Before your run, aim for at least 16oz of fluids about 2 hours beforehand to allow enough time for your body to process the fluids. Post run, the goal is to drink at least 16 to 24oz for each pound lost during activity. To have an idea of how much water to drink is to weigh yourself before your run and again afterwards to see how much water was lost through sweat.

What to drink post run? Water is always the best choice, as Gatorade and PowerAde are high in sugar – for those long runs when electrolytes need to be replaced, a better option other than a high sugar beverage would be coconut water, which is full of electrolytes and natural sugars to replace those glycogen stores. Other beverages to avoid are fizzy drinks, which can lead to bloating and discomfort after runs. Many studies have showed that after those long runs or an intense workout, low-fat chocolate milk is one of the best recovery fuels, as it has a balance of carbohydrates and protein and utilized in the body quickly and efficiently.

Of course with running, be sure to always listen to your body!

Thank you so much for the tips Julie! I had never thought or known to do egg whites pre-run, and the yolks post-run! Brilliant! If you have questions or are looking to optimize YOUR nutrition - I encourage you to reach out to Julie. You can email her HERE, follow her on Facebook, AND check out her YouTube Channel!

Oh Hey!

It's great to see you! I'm Alyssa and I blog about all the things I've found "essential" in my life as a fit mama and football coach's wife. You'll find all kinds of fun stuff here like workouts, oily info, football stories and more!

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DisclaimerI am not a licensed medical professional. All views expressed on this website are based on my own personal research and experiences. Please consult your doctor with any medical issues before beginning a training program.

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